How Many Calories in Chicken Shish Kebab?
At 180 kcal per 100 grams, Chicken Shish Kebab works out to about 270 calories in a single serving (1 skewer, 150 g). It's one of the lightest picks on the grilled-kebab menu.
Chicken Shish Kebab nutrition facts
| Nutrient | 100 g | 1 serving (1 skewer) (150 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal | 270 kcal |
| Carbs | 2 g | 3 g |
| Protein | 20 g | 30 g |
| Fat | 9 g | 13.5 g |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g |
Calories by portion
| Portion | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (1 skewer) | 150 g | 270 kcal |
| half serving | 75 g | 135 kcal |
Values are approximate, based on average recipes; they vary with ingredients, portion size and cooking method.
Activity equivalent
The energy in one serving of Chicken Shish Kebab (150 g, 270 kcal) is roughly equivalent to:
Based on a 70 kg reference; it varies from person to person. See activity calories →
For informational purposes only — not medical advice. If you have symptoms or a medical condition, consult a doctor.
Chicken shish is made by marinating cubed chicken in a yogurt-and-spice blend, threading it onto skewers, and grilling it over coals or on a grill. Two things move the calorie count: whether the meat comes from the breast or the thigh, and how much oil goes into the marinade. Because plenty of the fat drips away as it grills, the result usually turns out leaner than chicken cooked in a pan.
The macro profile is exactly what calorie trackers are after: 100 grams packs 20 g of protein, while fat stays moderate at 9 g and carbs sit at a token 2 g. That's why chicken shish is the classic move for anyone who wants to enjoy a kebab-house spread and keep the numbers in check at the same time.
How Many Calories in a Half Serving of Chicken Shish Kebab?
A half serving (75 g) comes in at roughly 135 calories. When you order a mixed grill for the table, the amount of chicken that lands on your plate is often right around this. If you're after a light dinner, pairing a half skewer with a big bowl of salad builds a plate that's both filling and low in calories.
Breast or Thigh: Which Is Lower in Calories?
Breast meat is leaner; thigh is juicier but a little fattier. The gap can reach roughly 30-40 kcal per 100 grams. Restaurants usually lean toward thigh for tenderness, so it's normal for the shish you eat out to be a touch more calorie-dense than what you'd make from breast at home. Both are protein powerhouses, so the choice comes down to your priority.
Is Chicken Shish Kebab Diet-Friendly?
For someone balancing their calories, yes, it's a lifesaver in a pinch. The skewer itself is low in calories and keeps you full; the math usually goes sideways with the sides. Flatbread, buttered rice, and mayo-based sauces run the total up fast. A plate built around grilled vegetables, an onion salad, and ayran, on the other hand, fills you up without straining your daily calorie target.
Does the Marinade Change the Calories in Chicken Shish Kebab?
Very little. A classic marinade is made of yogurt, olive oil, tomato paste, and spices; it may sound calorie-heavy, but the amount that stays on the meat is small, and part of it drips away on the grill. The realistic contribution per serving tops out at around 20-40 kcal. What's more, the marinade's real job is flavor and tenderness: a well-rested skewer cuts down on the need for sauce, which means the mayo and butter add-ons stay off the table. The one scenario to watch for is a home-style pan where a heavily oiled marinade is cooked without being drained: chicken cooked in a pan along with its marinade, rather than on the grill, can climb noticeably above the standard 270 kcal serving.
Frequently asked questions
How much protein is in chicken shish kebab?
One serving of chicken shish kebab delivers about 30 g of protein. That's a solid amount, enough to cover the average adult's per-meal protein needs in a single dish.
Can you eat chicken shish kebab at night?
If you have to eat late, chicken shish is a good candidate; because it's low in fat, it doesn't sit as heavy on the stomach as richer dishes. Swapping bread and rice for a salad on the side is the easiest way to keep a late meal light.
What should you eat with chicken shish kebab?
Grilled tomatoes and peppers, sumac onions, and a seasonal salad make the lightest trio. If you want to add some carbs, a small piece of flatbread or a little rice is plenty; loading up on both noticeably raises the total.
How much of a daily calorie intake does Chicken Shish Kebab provide?
One serving of Chicken Shish Kebab (150 g) has about 270 kcal — roughly 14% of an average 2,000-calorie daily intake.
What is the macronutrient breakdown of Chicken Shish Kebab?
In 100 g of Chicken Shish Kebab, the energy split is roughly 5% carbs, 47% protein and 48% fat.